After a career encompassing World Cups, European Championships, the Premier League, Champions League and UEFA Cup, Jermain Defoe thought he had seen it all.

But that was before he experienced the unique atmosphere of the Wear-Tyne derby back in April.

The veteran frontman’s stunning strike on the stroke of half-time gave Sunderland their record-equalling fifth successive win against rivals Newcastle United, and Defoe admits the whole experience was ‘special’ - and has only whetted his appetite for this weekend’s rematch at the Stadium of Light.

“I was excited before the game last season because for me, it was the first time,” said the 33-year-old former Spurs man.

“I was so excited just to see what it’s like and when you get a taste of it, you crave that feeling again.

“The feeling I got when I scored the goal and then after the game.

“Everything about that day was amazing.

“It shocked me, to be honest.

“I’d played in a North London derby, and I’d always enjoyed them.

“But it’s just crazy up here.

“I remember driving to the stadium and then you get that fire in your belly and know you have to play well. You get that something extra.

“From the first whistle, everyone was just on it.

“It was just a great day. To win it was special, but to score was something I’ll never forget.

“Even if I’d scored a tap-in, it would have been special.

“But to score a goal like that with my left foot... maybe those things are just meant to happen.

“When you’ve had those experiences, you just can’t wait until the next time.

“It’s come around again and I’d love to play again, win and score again.”